IELTS Reading: Skimming and Scanning Techniques: Quick Comprehension Methods

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a widely recognized standardized test designed to assess the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. It is a critical component for those seeking to study, work, or migrate to English-speaking countries. The test comprises four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The Reading section, which this essay focuses on, evaluates a candidate’s ability to read and comprehend written English through a series of texts and questions.

Understanding the IELTS Reading Test

The IELTS Reading test is structured differently for the Academic and General Training versions, although both follow similar formats and objectives. The Academic Reading test includes three long texts that are more complex and sourced from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers. These texts often contain diagrams, graphs, or illustrations. The General Training Reading test, on the other hand, includes extracts from books, magazines, newspapers, notices, advertisements, company handbooks, and guidelines, focusing more on everyday English proficiency.

The Reading test lasts for 60 minutes, during which candidates must answer 40 questions. These questions assess a variety of reading skills, including:

• Reading for gist: Understanding the main idea of a passage.
• Reading for detail: Finding specific information within the text.
• Understanding inferences and implied meaning: Reading between the lines.
• Recognizing a writer’s opinions, attitudes, and purpose: Identifying the author’s viewpoint and intent.
• Following the development of an argument: Tracing the progression of ideas and arguments in a text.

Types of Questions in the IELTS Reading Test

The IELTS Reading test features a variety of question types, designed to assess different reading skills:

1. Multiple Choice: These questions require the candidate to choose the correct answer from four options. They can assess understanding of specific points or overall comprehension of the text.
2. Identifying Information (True/False/Not Given): Candidates must determine whether statements are true, false, or not given based on the text.
3. Identifying Writer’s Views/Claims (Yes/No/Not Given): Similar to the True/False/Not Given questions, these require determining if the statements agree with the writer’s views or claims.
4. Matching Information: Candidates match information such as events, statements, or examples to specific paragraphs in the text.
5. Matching Headings: This involves selecting the best heading for each paragraph or section from a list of options.
6. Matching Features: Candidates match information to features within the text, such as matching names to events or characteristics.
7. Matching Sentence Endings: This question type requires completing sentences by choosing the correct ending from a list.
8. Sentence Completion: Candidates fill in gaps in sentences using words from the text.
9. Summary, Note, Table, Flow-chart Completion: This involves completing a summary, notes, a table, or a flow-chart using words from the text or a list provided.
10. Diagram Label Completion: Candidates complete labels on a diagram using words from the text.
11. Short Answer Questions: These require brief answers based on information in the text.

Skimming and Scanning Techniques

Given the diversity and complexity of the questions, mastering skimming and scanning techniques is crucial for success in the IELTS Reading test. These techniques enable candidates to quickly locate and comprehend relevant information within the time constraints.

Skimming

Skimming is a speed-reading technique that involves quickly moving through a text to get a general idea of the content. This technique is particularly useful for identifying the main ideas and the overall structure of the passage. Here’s how to effectively use skimming:

1. Read the Title and Headings: Begin by reading the title and any headings or subheadings. These provide clues about the topic and structure of the text.
2. Look at the Introduction and Conclusion: Read the first and last paragraphs more carefully, as these often contain the main idea or summary of the text.
3. Read the First Sentence of Each Paragraph: The first sentence typically introduces the main idea of the paragraph.
4. Identify Keywords: Look for keywords, names, dates, and numbers. These stand out and can guide your understanding of the passage’s content.

By using skimming, you can quickly grasp the main idea and structure of a passage, making it easier to locate specific information later.

Scanning

Scanning is another speed-reading technique that involves looking for specific information or keywords within a text. Unlike skimming, scanning is more focused and precise, used to find particular details without reading the entire passage. Here’s how to use scanning effectively:

1. Identify Keywords: Before scanning, identify the keywords or phrases related to the information you need. These could be names, dates, specific terms, or phrases.
2. Use Headings and Subheadings: Use headings and subheadings to direct your search to the relevant section of the text.
3. Look for Specific Information: Move your eyes quickly over the text to find the keywords or phrases you identified. This can be done horizontally or vertically, depending on the layout of the text.
4. Read Around the Keywords: Once you find the keywords, read the surrounding text to understand the context and extract the necessary information.

By mastering scanning, you can efficiently locate specific details within a text, saving valuable time during the exam.

Applying Skimming and Scanning Techniques to Different Question Types

To maximize their effectiveness, candidates should tailor their skimming and scanning strategies to the specific question types they encounter in the IELTS Reading test.

1. Multiple Choice Questions:
   • Skimming: Quickly skim the passage to understand its general content and structure.
   • Scanning: Use the keywords from the questions and options to locate relevant sections of the text. Read these sections carefully to find the correct answer.
2. True/False/Not Given and Yes/No/Not Given Questions:
   • Skimming: Skim the passage to get a sense of the main ideas and topics covered.
   • Scanning: Focus on the specific statements in the questions. Scan the text for keywords and phrases related to these statements to determine their accuracy or presence.
3. Matching Information and Features:
   • Skimming: Skim the passage to understand its structure and the main ideas of each paragraph.
   • Scanning: Scan for the specific information or features mentioned in the questions. Pay attention to keywords and phrases to locate the relevant sections.
4. Matching Headings:
   • Skimming: Skim each paragraph to identify its main idea. This involves reading the first and last sentences more carefully.
   • Scanning: Scan for keywords in the headings to match them with the appropriate paragraphs.
5. Sentence and Summary Completion:
   • Skimming: Skim the passage to understand the overall content and structure.
   • Scanning: Scan for specific keywords and phrases related to the incomplete sentences or summary points. Extract the necessary words to complete the sentences or summaries.
6. Diagram Label Completion:
   • Skimming: Skim the passage to understand the general topic and the context of the diagram.
   • Scanning: Scan for specific details and keywords related to the labels on the diagram. Focus on the sections that describe the components or processes depicted in the diagram.
7. Short Answer Questions:
   • Skimming: Skim the passage to get an overview of the content.
   • Scanning: Scan for keywords and phrases in the questions to locate the relevant sections. Read these sections carefully to extract the necessary information for your answers.

Practical Tips for Skimming and Scanning

To effectively use skimming and scanning techniques, candidates should practice regularly and develop a strategy that works best for them. Here are some practical tips:

1. Practice Regularly: Regular practice helps improve speed and accuracy in using skimming and scanning techniques. Use practice tests and sample passages to hone your skills.
2. Time Management: Allocate your time wisely. Spend a few minutes skimming the passage to get an overview, and then focus on scanning for specific details as you answer the questions.
3. Stay Focused: Maintain focus while skimming and scanning. Avoid reading in detail during the initial skimming stage and only delve deeper when necessary.
4. Develop a System: Create a system for marking keywords and phrases. Underline or highlight important words to help locate information quickly during scanning.
5. Stay Calm: Stay calm and composed during the test. Panic can hinder your ability to skim and scan effectively.
6. Use All Available Information: Utilize headings, subheadings, diagrams, and other visual aids in the passage. These can provide valuable clues and help you locate information more efficiently.
7. Be Flexible: Be prepared to adjust your strategy based on the specific passage and question type. Flexibility is key to adapting to different texts and questions.

Examples of Skimming and Scanning in the Context of IELTS Reading Tests

To better understand how skimming and scanning techniques can be applied in the IELTS Reading test, let’s look at some practical examples. We will use sample paragraphs and questions to demonstrate these techniques.

Example 1: Skimming

Paragraph:

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The Amazon rainforest, often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth,” is a vast and diverse ecosystem that plays a critical role in regulating the planet’s climate. Covering approximately 5.5 million square kilometers, it is home to an estimated 390 billion individual trees divided into 16,000 species. The forest produces about 20% of the world’s oxygen and absorbs large amounts of carbon dioxide, making it essential for mitigating the effects of global warming. However, deforestation and climate change pose significant threats to this crucial biome, leading to loss of biodiversity and disruption of weather patterns.

Question: What is the primary role of the Amazon rainforest mentioned in the passage?

Skimming Technique:

1. Read the Title and Headings: If present, they would give clues about the topic. In this case, there’s no title, but we can infer the topic from the first sentence.
2. Look at the Introduction and Conclusion: The first and last sentences of the paragraph often contain the main idea.
   • First sentence: “The Amazon rainforest, often referred to as the ‘lungs of the Earth,’ is a vast and diverse ecosystem that plays a critical role in regulating the planet’s climate.”
   • Last sentence: “However, deforestation and climate change pose significant threats to this crucial biome, leading to loss of biodiversity and disruption of weather patterns.”

From this skimming, we can determine that the primary role of the Amazon rainforest mentioned is its critical role in regulating the planet’s climate.

Answer: The primary role of the Amazon rainforest mentioned is regulating the planet’s climate.

Example 2: Scanning

Paragraph:

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Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection, presented in his seminal work “On the Origin of Species,” revolutionized biological sciences. Darwin proposed that species evolve over time through a process of natural selection, where the fittest individuals are more likely to survive and reproduce. This theory was based on extensive observations and research conducted during his voyage on the HMS Beagle. Despite initial resistance, Darwin’s ideas eventually gained widespread acceptance and have become foundational to modern biology.

Question: What was the name of the ship on which Darwin conducted his research?

Scanning Technique:

1. Identify Keywords: “ship,” “Darwin,” “research.”
2. Scan for Specific Information: Move eyes quickly over the text to find the keywords.
   • “…research conducted during his voyage on the HMS Beagle.”

Answer: The name of the ship was the HMS Beagle.

Example 3: Combining Skimming and Scanning

Paragraph:

The Amazon rainforest, often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth,” is a vast and diverse ecosystem that plays a critical role in regulating the planet’s climate. Covering approximately 5.5 million square kilometers, it is home to an estimated 390 billion individual trees divided into 16,000 species. The forest produces about 20% of the world’s oxygen and absorbs large amounts of carbon dioxide, making it essential for mitigating the effects of global warming. However, deforestation and climate change pose significant threats to this crucial biome, leading to loss of biodiversity and disruption of weather patterns.

Questions:

1. List three types of renewable energy sources mentioned.
2. What is the primary method used to generate electricity from wind?

Skimming for Question 1:

1. Read the Title and Headings: No title, but the first sentence indicates the topic.
2. Identify Keywords: “renewable energy sources,” “wind,” “solar,” “hydroelectric.”
3. Look at the Introduction: “Renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power…”

Answer: The three types of renewable energy sources mentioned are wind, solar, and hydroelectric power.

Scanning for Question 2:

1. Identify Keywords: “generate electricity,” “wind.”
2. Scan for Specific Information: Look for details about wind energy.
   • “…wind energy harnesses the power of wind through turbines, converting kinetic energy into electricity.”

Answer: The primary method used to generate electricity from wind is through turbines, converting kinetic energy into electricity.

Example 4: Matching Information

Paragraph:

The Renaissance was a fervent period of European cultural, artistic, political, and economic “rebirth” following the Middle Ages. Generally described as taking place from the 14th century to the 17th century, the Renaissance promoted the rediscovery of classical philosophy, literature, and art. Notable figures such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael made significant contributions to art, while scientists like Galileo and Copernicus revolutionized scientific thought. This era laid the groundwork for the modern world, fostering a spirit of inquiry and innovation.

Question: Match the following contributions to the correct figures:

• Art contributions
• Scientific thought revolution

Skimming and Scanning:

1. Skimming: Quickly read to get an idea of where the information about contributions is located.
   • Art: “…Notable figures such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael made significant contributions to art…”
   • Science: “…scientists like Galileo and Copernicus revolutionized scientific thought.”

Answer:

• Art contributions: Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael
• Scientific thought revolution: Galileo, Copernicus

Example 5: True/False/Not Given

Paragraph:

The Great Wall of China, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stretches over 13,000 miles and was originally constructed to protect Chinese states from invasions. Contrary to popular belief, the wall is not a single continuous structure but a series of walls and fortifications built by various dynasties over centuries. The most well-known sections were built by the Ming Dynasty between the 14th and 17th centuries. Today, the Great Wall is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world and attracts millions of tourists each year.

Question: The Great Wall of China was built entirely by the Ming Dynasty. (True/False/Not Given)

Scanning:

1. Identify Keywords: “Great Wall,” “Ming Dynasty.”
2. Scan for Specific Information: Look for details about the construction of the wall.
   • “…the wall is not a single continuous structure but a series of walls and fortifications built by various dynasties over centuries. The most well-known sections were built by the Ming Dynasty…”

Answer: False. The wall was built by various dynasties, not entirely by the Ming Dynasty.

By incorporating skimming and scanning techniques, candidates can efficiently navigate the IELTS Reading test, improving their ability to find and understand information quickly. Regular practice with these techniques will enhance speed, accuracy, and overall test performance.

Conclusion

Mastering skimming and scanning techniques is essential for success in the IELTS Reading test. These quick comprehension methods enable candidates to efficiently navigate through complex texts and locate specific information within the limited time frame. By understanding the structure and types of questions in the IELTS Reading test and applying tailored skimming and scanning strategies, candidates can improve their reading speed, accuracy, and overall performance. Regular practice, effective time management, and a focused approach are crucial to mastering these techniques and achieving a high score in the IELTS Reading test.

We wish you good luck in your IELTS exam and please check our website for more advice and information.